Rêve Coffee Roasters Revamps After Hours

Feb 14, 2018 10:45AM
● Published by Staff Writer

After more than two years of serving coffee and carefully crafted dishes on the edge of downtown Lafayette, Rêve Coffee Roasters has expanded to house the work of local musicians and artists — that is, once the sun goes down.

Located along Jefferson Street since September 2015 when the specialty-grade “micro-roaster” moved from its Pinhook Road location, the venue exists as a reprieve from the outside world for tourists and locals alike. Owner Nathanael Johnson works to give customers a break in their daily routine with a creative twist. The exposed brick walls and aesthetically pleasing decor leaves guests feeling comfortable and welcomed.

During monthly Art Walks, the café floor transforms into a stage. Appropriately labeled Reve After Hours, the events feature intimate performances by local names such as Andrew Toups and Shrugs, as well as larger performances featuring Will Payne Harrison with Steve Dunn of Nashville.

Rêve's Latte Art Throwdowns provide patrons with hands-on entertainment centered around the venue’s pride and joy. The throwdowns, which are held quarterly and open to the public, attract baristas and latte enthusiasts from all over to compete. The most recent throwdown was in partnership with Clandestine Collective, which does pop-up events throughout downtown, and featured a dance party after the last drop of steam milk was poured.

Rêve also hosts Trivia Nights the third Thursday of the month where people of all ages come out to test their knowledge against one another for fun.

Johnson said he believes in connecting with those of different backgrounds and those doing “awesome” things in the community by remaining involved in one way or another. Cafés are just the place to do that, and Rêve is the perfect Lafayette venue.

“Rêve was a dream of mine that I wanted to share with the community," Johnson said. Now he is living his dream and creating an avenue for others to live theirs. "Rêve simply means to dream.”

For upcoming events and shows, be sure to check out Rêve Coffee Roaster’s Facebook page. Artists interested can contact the shop through revecoffeeroasters.com or Facebook, call them at (337) 584-8336 or inquire in person at the café at 200A Jefferson St.